Police in Thetford, England, are warning of the "full force of the law" against individuals involved in violent anti-immigration protests that targeted homes rented to asylum seekers. The confrontations, which have spanned three consecutive nights, have resulted in property damage, arrests, and injuries to officers.
Norfolk Police Chief Constable Paul Sanford stated that protesters "crossed the line" from lawful demonstration into unacceptable behavior. "We have been firm with people who have broken the law," Sanford said during a BBC interview. "If people wander into an active protest and ignore calls from the police to stand back, then there is a high likelihood that they might get caught up in what occurs." He added that his officers had done a "fantastic job" despite two requiring hospital treatment after one was hit with a rock and another was bitten. A third officer was spat at.
On Tuesday night, police had to escort asylum seekers from a property on St John's Way for their safety after a mob gathered outside. The disorder escalated to include smashed doors and windows at a residence on Bracken Road. One occupant was reportedly forced from a house in Elm Road, with their mobile phone taken. Up to 100 people were reportedly involved in the violence at its peak.
On Wednesday night, officers responded to a gathering at a property on Clover Way where protesters attempted to gain access. During the intervention, members of the group became aggressive, leading to the aforementioned officer injuries. Riot police were deployed to guard properties, with crowds chanting for asylum seekers to be removed and throwing eggs.
Several arrests have been made for offenses including inciting racial hatred, possession of an offensive weapon, public order offenses, and harassment. Brian Thompson, 68, of Thetford, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and released on bail. A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of a public order offense but released with a conditional caution. Two men were arrested on Thursday night, one on suspicion of inciting racial hatred and the other for being drunk and disorderly.
The tensions in Thetford are linked to weeks of protests at RAF Barnham in Suffolk, where the government plans to house 1,250 male migrants. Home Office minister Anna Turley described the scenes in Thetford as "horrendous" and stated that violence, attacks, and intimidation would not be tolerated.
South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy condemned the "mob rule and vigilantism" in his constituency. A government spokesperson echoed these sentiments, affirming the right to protest but condemning violence and attacks on police officers, promising that criminal activity would be met with the full force of the law. Police powers in the area were temporarily increased to manage the ongoing disorder.